Well England took a bit of a pasting on the first day of the fourth test against South Africa at the Wanderers.
Hostile bowling from Dale Steyn (5-51) and Morne Morkel (3-39) reduced England to 180 all out. Ashwell Prince (15) and Graeme Smith (12) managed to see us to the close of play at 29-0 which was encouraging... I guess the real question is whether or not the weather is going to play ball.
It still looks a little overcast in Johannesburg today.
It was nice to see Wayne Parnell get a run but he managed to roll off just 3 overs for 18 run - fortunately the rest of the team (including Ryan Mclaren) managed to pick up his slack and roll over England.
Mclaren was useful (1-30) although I'm not totally convinced he's long-term test cricket material. I can't see what he brings to the party. Fortunately JP Duminy has been delivering with his off-spinners so it does provide some variety for Graeme Smith to call on.
Will be interesting to see how the SA batters fare today. I got the impression that Englands batters contrived to get themselves out rather than problems with the pitch.
Let's see what Day 2 holds
Showing posts with label Wanderers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wanderers. Show all posts
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Saturday, November 21, 2009
And then the rain came!
I was so excited - I had box tickets to the Wanderers yesterday to watch South Africa take on England... and then it pissed with rain all week! Grrrrr....
I was going to blame the poms for bringing the bad weather here but then I realised the team is made up of South Africans and an Irishman whose sole purpose in life is to get into the pub as quickly as possible so I can't even blame them for the weather!
I was going to blame the poms for bringing the bad weather here but then I realised the team is made up of South Africans and an Irishman whose sole purpose in life is to get into the pub as quickly as possible so I can't even blame them for the weather!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Ashes comments and a local story
South African cricket at the moment is a little slow but I see there is a nice spat developing between the Gauteng Cricket Board (GCB) and Cricket South Africa. The GCB have been quite vocal in their criticism of Gerald Majola and the handling of the IPL in South Africa.
The full story can be found here but I think the general impression was that the Indian Premier League (IPL) tournament held in South Africa was an unequivocal success. Will have to try and drill down into the specifics around the GCB's complaints.
I see that Cricket SA has taken a tough stance as well - no more games at the Wanderers until the GCB withdraws their threats and accusations. Good to see strong leadership at the helm of SA cricket.
The big story of the moment is of course the first Ashes test which looks like it is leaning toward a draw unless the pitch offers something to the Australian bowlers in the last two days. At this moment in time the Aussies are 53 runs ahead with 5 second innings wickets in hand with North and Haddin in and Mitchell Johnson to come in.
I suppose cricket purists can take a bit of solace from the fact that the Poms showed a bit of backbone in their first innings to post a respectable enough target. Good to see that they didn't just depend on Strauss and Pietersen to get them somewhere. Unfortunately I think that Ponting and Katich have showed that it is imperative to actually go on and make big scores if you get a start.
Hilfenhaus with the new ball surprised me a bit - I would have gone with the more bustling Peter Siddle and given Hilfenhaus a slightly older and softer ball and see what he could get it to do. Will be interesting to see what the Australians do in the second innings.
If the Aussies put their foot down in this session I might not like to be the English management in the next few days...
The full story can be found here but I think the general impression was that the Indian Premier League (IPL) tournament held in South Africa was an unequivocal success. Will have to try and drill down into the specifics around the GCB's complaints.
I see that Cricket SA has taken a tough stance as well - no more games at the Wanderers until the GCB withdraws their threats and accusations. Good to see strong leadership at the helm of SA cricket.
The big story of the moment is of course the first Ashes test which looks like it is leaning toward a draw unless the pitch offers something to the Australian bowlers in the last two days. At this moment in time the Aussies are 53 runs ahead with 5 second innings wickets in hand with North and Haddin in and Mitchell Johnson to come in.
I suppose cricket purists can take a bit of solace from the fact that the Poms showed a bit of backbone in their first innings to post a respectable enough target. Good to see that they didn't just depend on Strauss and Pietersen to get them somewhere. Unfortunately I think that Ponting and Katich have showed that it is imperative to actually go on and make big scores if you get a start.
Hilfenhaus with the new ball surprised me a bit - I would have gone with the more bustling Peter Siddle and given Hilfenhaus a slightly older and softer ball and see what he could get it to do. Will be interesting to see what the Australians do in the second innings.
If the Aussies put their foot down in this session I might not like to be the English management in the next few days...
Saturday, April 18, 2009
And so it ends....
... A great summer of cricket finally came to an end with the Australians winning the last game under lights at the Wanderers.
Ian over at The Baggy Green has done a summary of all their results and you just think back to some of the amazing memories that have been created in the last few 5 months and you realise how amazing this series really has been.
... To the Aussies and the South African players who have given their all over the last few months I take my hat off to you.... you guys treated us to something we will probably have to wait a long time to see again!
To the fans - you made these guys great and you showed a brilliant respect for the performance - there was no sour grapes when the Aussies put one over us and vice-versa - just a great appreciation of good cricket.
And finally to the umpires - We tip our hats to you for allowing the series to progress so smoothly. We probably won't remember the umpires and their contribution to a great series but for every one who stood in any of our games - THANK YOU - your silent contributions to a phenomenal series is appreciated.
Ian over at The Baggy Green has done a summary of all their results and you just think back to some of the amazing memories that have been created in the last few 5 months and you realise how amazing this series really has been.
- Mitchell Johnson week in and week out have been phenomenal
- Ben Laughlin's heroics on the boundary last night won him plenty of SA fans
- Dale Steyn, JP Duminy and Makhaya Ntini brilliantly saving the second test match
- AB Devilliers winning the first test match for us with his innings
- Bryce Mcgain being carted all over Potch and then getting a chance to do it all over again in the third test match
... To the Aussies and the South African players who have given their all over the last few months I take my hat off to you.... you guys treated us to something we will probably have to wait a long time to see again!
To the fans - you made these guys great and you showed a brilliant respect for the performance - there was no sour grapes when the Aussies put one over us and vice-versa - just a great appreciation of good cricket.
And finally to the umpires - We tip our hats to you for allowing the series to progress so smoothly. We probably won't remember the umpires and their contribution to a great series but for every one who stood in any of our games - THANK YOU - your silent contributions to a phenomenal series is appreciated.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Bit of a lottery but we will take it
.... 1-0 to the good guys... but geez I'm convinced we still don't really get this T20 format of the game.
Let's be honest, if Albie Morkel hadn't blasted us in the middle of the innings there (AGAIN) we'd have been beaten convincingly after a pretty decent bowling performance.
I thought David Hussey played amazingly well for the Aussies and I'm kicking myself - I could have gotten GREAT odds putting money on him to be the top batter and I had been tempted to do it. Backed him a coupla times in Oz and missed out but I had a good feeling about him yesterday.
Oh well!
Thought the value of spin / bowlers who can take the pace off the ball was well displayed here tonight on a pitch that normally provides fast and bouncy conditions. Robin Peterson, Johan Botha and David Hussey all got to grips (scuse the pun) with how to bowl and their figures proved it.
Wayne Parnell - how well did he bowl?! Did anyone check the speeds he was bowling - definately gathering some confidence and I hope he gets given an extended run in the ODI format of the game - like Mitchell Johnson has proven - the value of a quality left-arm seamer in your side cannot be doubted.
Johan Botha - Another solid performance from the SA T20 captain. This is another under-rated SA cricketer and HE seems to have worked out how to play this type of cricket - he's just got to get his batters to understand how to think their way through the game!
Robin Peterson - I'm not a big Robin Peterson fan but last night he put in a good performance. He bowled accurately, fielded well and in general made a good contribution. It is going to be interesting to see how his role is defined in the the team.
Let's be honest, if Albie Morkel hadn't blasted us in the middle of the innings there (AGAIN) we'd have been beaten convincingly after a pretty decent bowling performance.
I thought David Hussey played amazingly well for the Aussies and I'm kicking myself - I could have gotten GREAT odds putting money on him to be the top batter and I had been tempted to do it. Backed him a coupla times in Oz and missed out but I had a good feeling about him yesterday.
Oh well!
Thought the value of spin / bowlers who can take the pace off the ball was well displayed here tonight on a pitch that normally provides fast and bouncy conditions. Robin Peterson, Johan Botha and David Hussey all got to grips (scuse the pun) with how to bowl and their figures proved it.
Wayne Parnell - how well did he bowl?! Did anyone check the speeds he was bowling - definately gathering some confidence and I hope he gets given an extended run in the ODI format of the game - like Mitchell Johnson has proven - the value of a quality left-arm seamer in your side cannot be doubted.
Johan Botha - Another solid performance from the SA T20 captain. This is another under-rated SA cricketer and HE seems to have worked out how to play this type of cricket - he's just got to get his batters to understand how to think their way through the game!
Robin Peterson - I'm not a big Robin Peterson fan but last night he put in a good performance. He bowled accurately, fielded well and in general made a good contribution. It is going to be interesting to see how his role is defined in the the team.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
276 with 8 wickets in hand
That's all that is needed for South Africa to once again re-write the record books against the Aussies at the Wanderers.
The Wanderers has been one of those happy hunting grounds for us and I don't think anyone is ever going to forget Herschelle Gibbs leading that historic run chase to break the ODI record.
The morning session will without question make or break this chase. If we lose one or two early wickets, then I don't see us making it. If Kallis and Amla get through unscathed then I expect the Aussies will drop their heads and we could waltz home...
.... but as somebody pointed out it only takes 8 perfect balls to win the game for them and with Mitchell Johnson in your corner I would never write them off.
I reckon South Africa is going to come to a standstill if we get through the first hour with no wickets down.
Even if you can't get to the game - if you're driving past the Wanderers make as much bloody noise as you can.... Let's beat the Aussies before they even set foot on the field today. Switch every television and radio to the cricket and let them know the whole country is backing them to protect our reputation in the Bullring...
C'mon boys - you can do it!!!!
The Wanderers has been one of those happy hunting grounds for us and I don't think anyone is ever going to forget Herschelle Gibbs leading that historic run chase to break the ODI record.
The morning session will without question make or break this chase. If we lose one or two early wickets, then I don't see us making it. If Kallis and Amla get through unscathed then I expect the Aussies will drop their heads and we could waltz home...
.... but as somebody pointed out it only takes 8 perfect balls to win the game for them and with Mitchell Johnson in your corner I would never write them off.
I reckon South Africa is going to come to a standstill if we get through the first hour with no wickets down.
Even if you can't get to the game - if you're driving past the Wanderers make as much bloody noise as you can.... Let's beat the Aussies before they even set foot on the field today. Switch every television and radio to the cricket and let them know the whole country is backing them to protect our reputation in the Bullring...
C'mon boys - you can do it!!!!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Top Test Venues
The fun and games with the second England vs. West Indies test match got me thinking about Test venues around the world.
Despite being an avid cricket fan, my live cricket viewing experience has been limited to South African venues like Centurion Park and the Wanderers... I can even proudly say I've batted on the main strip at the Wanderers and got a score of 8!
But watching the Australian series, I had such an urge to get on a plane and go and watch some of the cricket at the SCG, MCG and Gabba.
Lords would also be nice just to say - Been There, Done That.
Cricket in the West Indies wouldn't be too bad either methinks... provided you actually get to watch some cricket!
I wonder a bit what cricket in India would be like... the atmosphere looks like nothing we in South Africa or Australia could ever replicate...
I dunno - do our readers have any recommendations or "Must visit" places for cricket fans?
Despite being an avid cricket fan, my live cricket viewing experience has been limited to South African venues like Centurion Park and the Wanderers... I can even proudly say I've batted on the main strip at the Wanderers and got a score of 8!
But watching the Australian series, I had such an urge to get on a plane and go and watch some of the cricket at the SCG, MCG and Gabba.
Lords would also be nice just to say - Been There, Done That.
Cricket in the West Indies wouldn't be too bad either methinks... provided you actually get to watch some cricket!
I wonder a bit what cricket in India would be like... the atmosphere looks like nothing we in South Africa or Australia could ever replicate...
I dunno - do our readers have any recommendations or "Must visit" places for cricket fans?
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Hhhhhmmmm
I momentarily felt sorry for the Aussies when they went down against the Black Caps today... They've been through one hell of a summer with almost every game being fought down to the wire...
48 hours after the South Africans have departed their shores and are putting their feet up and enjoying some rest and relaxation, the Aussies are out scrapping against Daniel Vettori's boys.
I really don't understand the logic and in my (humble) opinion, this smacks of overkill for the Aussies.
On the 26th of February the two sides lineup at the Wanderers. Mitchell Johnson has bowled his heart out in long test match spells and a bunch of ODI's. Now he's expected to attack an SA batting lineup that is fresh and well rested?!
In comparison - Steyn, Morkel and Ntini are resting up and sorting out any injury niggles... Just doesn't sound right.
48 hours after the South Africans have departed their shores and are putting their feet up and enjoying some rest and relaxation, the Aussies are out scrapping against Daniel Vettori's boys.
I really don't understand the logic and in my (humble) opinion, this smacks of overkill for the Aussies.
On the 26th of February the two sides lineup at the Wanderers. Mitchell Johnson has bowled his heart out in long test match spells and a bunch of ODI's. Now he's expected to attack an SA batting lineup that is fresh and well rested?!
In comparison - Steyn, Morkel and Ntini are resting up and sorting out any injury niggles... Just doesn't sound right.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
The pinch-hitter does not work
T20 cricket is all the rage at the moment and there is a lot of talk again about the role of a pinch-hitter in the game.
My position - THE PINCH HITTER DOES NOT WORK - irrespective of what version of the game you play.
On the odd occasion a pinch hitter comes off its more a case of luck than a well planned strategy. The best 1 day innings (Think Herschelle Gibbs chasing down 400+ at the Wanderers against the Aussies) are because a real batter gets his eye and uses his natural talent to flay bowlers left right and centre.
But a pinch hitter that comes in and scores 12 off 12 balls - has NOT done anything good for the side. Instead if a Michael Clarke or Andrew Symonds had come in and used those 12 balls to get his eye in before blasting 100 off 80 balls.
Let your batters do the job they're supposed to do and leave the bowlers fresh to do what they are supposed to be doing.
My position - THE PINCH HITTER DOES NOT WORK - irrespective of what version of the game you play.
On the odd occasion a pinch hitter comes off its more a case of luck than a well planned strategy. The best 1 day innings (Think Herschelle Gibbs chasing down 400+ at the Wanderers against the Aussies) are because a real batter gets his eye and uses his natural talent to flay bowlers left right and centre.
But a pinch hitter that comes in and scores 12 off 12 balls - has NOT done anything good for the side. Instead if a Michael Clarke or Andrew Symonds had come in and used those 12 balls to get his eye in before blasting 100 off 80 balls.
Let your batters do the job they're supposed to do and leave the bowlers fresh to do what they are supposed to be doing.
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